The director of “Kung Fu Panda 2,” Jennifer Yuh Nelson, had three different titles on first “Kung Fu Panda” – Head of Story, Actions Sequences Supervisor and Dream Sequence Director. And just as Po followed his path to becoming the Dragon Warrior, Nelson had her own journey.

Says director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, “I grew up with Hong Kong action movies, and I brought that sensibility as Head of Story on ‘Kung Fu Panda.’ I was pretty gung ho for all of us to be in that mindset, and I continued that push on this film. I think one of the keys is that we’re all conversant in that vernacular now. And in working on ‘Kung Fu Panda 2,’ that shared experience has come with us, and it informs the story we are telling and the manner in which it is told.

Our goal was to take ‘Kung Fu Panda’ and Po to the next level.” Just as Po has become a better warrior, his newest adventure reflects his deeper immersion into the world of kung fu. Per Nelson: “This film follows more in the tradition of martial arts movies—there are often questions that arise about a newly anointed hero’s past and there are those who seek to challenge his authority.

“Since the release of ‘Kung Fu Panda’, there has been one burning question that people are desperate to answer. The question that defies “Kung Fu Panda 2” Production Information explanation is: Why is Po’s dad a goose? For Po, the Dragon Warrior, it was logical for him to finally realize his father is not his biological father and to seek his origin. While doing so, he learns his past is tied to Lord Shen. The peacock’s challenge is not random, it is the working of fate—something that also figures prominently in martial arts films. And it is only when he learns the truth about who he is that Po is able to confront Shen and his army.”

“In the first film,” continues Nelson, “we learned that heroes come in all shapes and sizes as Po fulfilled his destiny and became the Dragon Warrior. In the sequel, we learn that fate leads us to our destiny – bringing people into our lives that protect us and those that challenge us…allowing us to realize our full potential.”

director Jennifer Yuh Nelson talks Kung Fu Panda 2

More about Jennifer Yuh Nelson

Jennifer Yuh Nelson has lent her talents to four of DreamWorks Animation’s motion pictures: 2008’s Kung Fu Panda (as head of story), 2005’s Madagascar (as story artist), 2003’s Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (as head of story) and 2002’s Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (also as story artist). Prior to joining DreamWorks, Nelson worked at HBO Animation, developing various projects and short series. She has worn many hats, serving as director, story artist and character designer for HBO’s animated series Spawn, which won an Emmy Award in 1999 for Outstanding Animated Program. Nelson’s career in animation has spanned several countries, including Korea and Japan, where she oversaw animation for HBO. Nelson has also worked in Sydney, Australia, serving as a story artist and illustrator for the live-action feature Dark City for Mystery Clock Productions. Nelson attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a BFA in Illustration. Nelson has also published several independent comic books.